Eureka won its Homecoming football game in exciting fashion Friday night, as the Tornadoes battled the Bluestem Lions through regulation and into overtime before securing a 22-16 victory on a defensive play. Neither team found the end zone in the opening quarter.
Eureka’s Christian Andrews found the endzone on an approximate 30-yard run with 5:27 remaining in the first half. Blaine Brockus was successful on the two-point conversion and the Tornadoes led 8-0 at halftime.
Bluestem came out strong in the second half and scored with 6:27 on the clock in the third. They were successful on the twopoint conversion and tied the game at 8.
The Tornadoes answered in the fourth quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run by Brockus with 9:10 remaining. Quarterback Cruz Escareno kept the ball on the two-point conversion, extending Eureka’s lead to 16-8.
Eureka’s defense then forced a Bluestem turnover, but the Lions responded by holding the Tornadoes to a fourth-and-long situation. Senior Mason Hughes went back to punt, but successfully faked the Lions’ defense and rushed for nearly 30 yards and a first down. Unfortunately for the Tornadoes, the next play resulted in a fumble that was recovered by Bluestem at its own 45-yard line.
The Lions were able to work their way down the field and score eight points of their own, forcing overtime.
Eureka won the toss and took possession at the 10-yard line. On the second play, Brockus found the end zone to put the Tornadoes ahead. Eureka was unable to convert the two-point attempt, but took a 22-16 lead as Bluestem took possession at the 10-yard line for its overtime attempt.
On the Lions’ first play, Bluestem fumbled, and Tornado sophomore Ashton Lawrence was there to recover the ball, sealing the victory for Eureka.
Andrews led the Tornadoes with 142 total yards, including 121 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards, while also scoring one touchdown. Brockus finished with 100 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Hughes added 75 total yards.
“I’m proud of how our team fought all night, not letting adversity get us down like we have in previous weeks. I saw the boys grow this week and learn how to win a tight game. It was a great game and a fun atmosphere on Homecoming,” said Head Coach Jonah McKee.
Eureka will look to carry that momentum into this week when the Tornadoes return home to host Olpe for the annual Tiny Tornadoes event.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., with the Tiny Tornadoes taking the field at halftime.
